Planning a Resolution…

2016 is almost here. For many people, it’s time for New Year’s resolutions. Some people say planning is (almost) everything and one has to agree that for every great project, a ton of planning is needed in order to succeed. It’s no different for resolutions.

Whether you want to lose weight, quit smoking, eat healthy, or start exercising, start planning your resolution right now and you may increase the odds that this year, you will stick with your resolution until you accomplish your goals.

First, it’s important to focus on your goal and line up a few different methods to accomplish it. One of the reasons many people fail at resolutions is a lack of a “plan B”. So, right from start, having an alternative way to reach that goal can be helpful. For example, your goal is to exercise three times a week and you are committed to walking or running. After a couple weeks, your feet are sore, or your leg muscles are hurting. What most people do? They stop, or take a week off, only to never resume exercising again, and the resolution is gone. OK, if you do have pain from exercising on your lower body, have a upper body workout back-up plan, just in case this happens, you can still exercise your upper body for one week or until your lower body is healed and ready to resume your original workout.

Second, believe in yourself. Quitting smoking may be one of the hardest resolutions but it can definitely be accomplished. Many people have tried to quit smoking several times and fail at it every time. Why should this year be different? Time to believe in yourself, time to believe you can do it. One great tip is to spend time with family or friends who are very positive, who encourage you to achieve this goal. Find a little reward for every week, month, you have spent without smoking and perhaps this year will be the one.

Lastly, don’t give up. The most important advice for any resolution. If you fail, start over again, if it’s difficult, find ways to make it easier, if you can’t do it yourself, find help, but don’t give up. 2016 can be the year you finally stick with your New Year’s Resolution!!!